Women's Golf Inks Two During Fall Signing Period

Dec 11, 2012

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's golf program recently inked two prep student-athletes to national letters-of-intent during the fall signing period, according to an announcement made by head coach Michael Mignano.

Prep standouts Claire Jansa (Sioux Falls, S.D./O'Gorman) and Kelsey McKinley (Muskegon/Mona Shores) have committed to the Bulldog program and will embark on their initial collegiate campaigns during the 2013-14 season.

The 2012 Sioux Falls City Champion, Jansa helped lead O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls (S.D.) to Class AA State Championships in 2010 and 2011. She was the 2012 Greater Dakota Conference Champion and previously recognized as the South Dakota Golf Association Junior Champion in 2010. A participant in the 2012 The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, she attended the Hank Haney Academy on scholarship from The First Tee in 2012.

In addition to golf, Jansa has been active in the school's varsity concert choir and is a National Honor Society member. She has also been involved in the National Forensics League.

"Claire comes from an exceptional golf background and has been tremendously successful as a junior and high school player," Mignano said. "She's been a member of state championship teams, which is extremely valuable at the next level. Through her involvement in The First Tee and other organizations, along with being a stellar student, we believe Claire will be a strong leader in our program.

"I look for her to contribute right away and be a great asset to our program next season," he added.

McKinley, too, has been a member of state title teams as she's helped lead Muskegon Mona Shores to a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state record four consecutive sate championships from 2009 to 2012. A first-team Division II All-State pick in 2012, McKinley placed 14th at the Division II state finals this past year for the second-straight campaign. Previously, she claimed all-state honorable mention laurels as a junior.

A member of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and Adams Tour, McKinley is a three-time All-Ottawa Kent Black All-Conference honoree and was the 2012 Muskegon City Junior Runner-Up. Besides golf, she's also played varsity soccer and been active in the student senate along with being a National Honor Society member.

"Kelsey has been a key member of the strongest girls golf program in MHSAA history at Mona Shores," said Mignano. "She knows what it takes to work together as a team to win. In addition, she's also played an intense summer schedule where she gained valuable experience.

"Overall, Kelsey has a tremendous work ethic both in the classroom and on the golf course. We're very lucky to have her joining our program next year," he added.

The Ferris State women's golf team made its 11th consecutive NCAA Division II Regional Tournament appearance last season where they placed sixth at the 2012 NCAA-II East Super Regional (May 6-8) held in Findlay, Ohio.

The Bulldogs twice placed among the top four teams in tournament play during the fall 2012 campaign, including a first-place finish in the Findlay "Bing Beall" Classic (Oct. 7-8). FSU is tentatively stated to open its spring season in March.